Project Editor: Ryan Treick, History 470: Digital History, Spring 2008

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TEACHING UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

It is not a surprising thing that sentiment in both student and faculty circles should be against the proposed organization of the Ku Klux Klan among university students. It is to be hoped that the old standing ruling at the university, prohibiting secret societies will be successful in keeping out an organization of night riders.

An American university should, above all things, teach respect for the American government and respect for the government means faith in its ability to cope with all questions of law and order. How can any organization which practices lawlessness itself expect to instill in the people respect and faith in the government?

What kind of "pure Americanism" is it that feels it necessary to hide its identity in the dark of night and carry on its work enshrouded in secrecy?

When the Ku Klux Klan came into being in the south several decades ago, its purpose was to establish law and order which did not exist because the carpet-baggers failed to supply it. The original Ku Klux Klan did not profess faith in the government enforced upon them by the carpet-baggers did not govern. The present Ku Klux Klan professes faith in government, but repudiates this faith by taking the law in its own hands at a time when our government does govern.

The university students should be taught to revere the constitution and to believe in the justice of our courts. It is unthinkable that this end may be attained if they are asked to give $10 to become a member of an organization which practices religious prejudice, race prejudice and color prejudice as well as assuming the authority to dispense justice and to punish alleged wrong-doers without the right of appearing in court.